Organic solvents are chemicals commonly used in paints, inks and adhesives. Their emissions need to be controlled because many solvents undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere, which cause a number of indirect effects, in particular the formation of ozone. Elevated concentrations of ozone in air can impair human health.
The reduction of VOC emissions is of particular importance to the coatings industry. VOC emissions is considerably reduced with the implementation of the Solvents Emission Directive (1999/13/CE).
The aim of the SED is to prevent or reduce the direct and indirect effects of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment, mainly into air, and the potential risks to human health, by providing measures and procedures to be implemented for the activities defined in the Directive.
The European Commission and the EU Member States have recognised that they need to do even more to improve the air quality in Europe to protect citizens' health. For that reason the EU introduced the Paint Products Directive (2004/42/EU).
These two directives have a direct impact on the Vehicle Refinishing Coatings:
Emission reductions can only be achieved by the use of water-borne and solventborne products with a reduced amount of VOC.
Non Compliant-Products, produced before 1.1.2007 that exceed the allowable limits of VOC, can be introduced in the market within the following 12 months, i.e. during the 2007.